Clear, confident radio communication is one of the most critical—and intimidating—skills for many pilots. Whether you're a private pilot student just starting out or a seasoned flyer preparing for a checkride or corporate jet interview, mastering radio calls can make the difference between a smooth flight and a stressful one. At Solid Ground Aviation, we take a unique approach by using our FAA-approved flight simulator (BATD) and real-world pre-recorded ATC audio to give students an edge.

Our simulator allows us to load custom scenarios that match the audio word-for-word, creating a highly immersive training environment. You’re not just practicing with generic scripts—you’re interacting with real-world ATC conversations timed with the events of your simulated flight. This builds your ability to listen, interpret, and respond just like you would in the actual system.

Even better, the simulator gives us a key advantage that real flight doesn’t: we can pause. If a student is unsure what a clearance means or wants to break down the phraseology used, we can stop the scenario, explain it, and then rewind or re-fly the segment. That kind of on-the-spot learning is impossible in a live ATC environment.

Let’s face it—flight instructors aren't trained as controllers. While they can do their best to simulate ATC, nothing compares to the rhythm, nuance, and speed of actual controller voices. Hearing authentic radio traffic prepares you for the real thing in a way textbook role-playing simply can’t match.

Whether you’re preparing for your instrument checkride, brushing up for an airline or corporate simulator interview, or just trying to build confidence in busy airspace, this training can help. Our flight school in Maryland uses our custom-built simulator and real-world scenarios to help you improve safely, affordably, and effectively.